Cass adjusted the strap of her backpack as she entered the cafeteria, the familiar clamor hitting her ears like a tidal wave. Lockers slammed, laughter erupted across tables, and phones were already recording the latest mini-drama. She spotted Lena immediately, perched on the edge of their usual table, smirking like she had front-row seats to the world’s best show.
“Cassie, brace yourself,” Lena whispered, voice low but dripping with amusement. “She’s here.”
Cass’s eyes followed Lena’s gaze. Zayelle stood at the threshold of the cafeteria, shoulders back, head held high, a calm smile brushing her lips. The popular girls clustered around her instinctively, yet she didn’t seem to mind. She glanced around, eyes landing on Cass and Lena for a fleeting second, and that subtle acknowledgment m
